Papua’s natural wealth has promising economic potential for the welfare of the people there. The central government also takes a big role in introducing the richness and natural beauty of Papua to the whole world. Through the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment of the Republic of Indonesia, the central government invites all elements in Papua to jointly create events that can increase the community’s economic activities which will lead to prosperity. One of the events initiated was the Sail Cenderawasih Bay. This event, which is included in the National Tourism Calendar in Indonesia, aims to introduce marine tourism in Bumi Cenderawasih, the nickname of Papua, as well as inviting tourists to attend and enjoy the event that has been arranged lively.
The 2024 Sail Cenderawasih Bay event will take place at Kampung Samau Beach which is included in the Biak City District Area. The series of events offered on this tourist agenda is quite diverse. Starting from entertaining musical events, typical Papuan cultural attractions, culinary markets that sell various kinds of authentic Papuan food, and of course don’t forget the creative economy exhibition which is mostly attended by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.
The economic potential contained in the Sail Cenderawasih Bay event can be seen from the large number of tourists who attend. Based on the data that has been collected, the number of tourists attending the Sail Cenderawasih Bay event in 2024 will increase compared to the previous year. The increasing number of tourists has reached thousands, which automatically becomes an economic opportunity for the people of Papua. Hotel managers, for example, will get more visitors than on normal days.
People living on the coast of Papua feel that the Sail Cenderawasih Bay 2024 event is the event they have been waiting for to introduce what they have. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises operating in the creative and culinary sectors are also starting to increase their production. They make typical items from Papua to attract tourists and will be used as souvenirs for those attending the 2024 Sail Cenderawasih Bay event.
It is hoped that tourist visits will not only increase when this national event takes place. However, when tourists have visited Papua, they will return again in the near future and invite other tourists to experience the natural beauty offered to be enjoyed in Papua. The increase in tourists is expected to continue in a positive trend throughout the year. The 2024 Sail Cenderawasih Bay event is the peak event which will then be held in the following year with an even more lively concept so that it can attract tourists to visit. It is also hoped that the economy of people in Papua who work in the tourism sector will improve and achieve prosperity that can be felt by all.
